During a recent "googling" session on the book of Hosea, I came across a very odd, angry, anti-pentecostal person's article on how "Christians" will read into scripture and create things that aren't there. I get that, and totally understand because I feel I've seen all extremes in my Bible college career... However, I do not believe that when God talks about rain, that he's only always talking about rain.

There are several reasons as to why I believe this, but to sum it all up...
I feel based on the context in a certain verse in Hosea, that the rain symbolizes more than rain. There are some places where rain is not meant to represent anything more, but other times, it is. I believe God created everything to be something significant. I feel this based on the fact that God created rain, and anything he creates is not shallow and simple. It's deep.

There are people in the world that feel that those who may think some things in scripture can be symbolic are idiots. I guess I'm okay with being an idiot to them. I don't find myself thinking they're idiots for not being open-minded, I just leave it up to the Lord to clarify one day. :)

So... today I'm reminded of this scripture in light of this:
²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
(Here, God reveals to us the meaning he has in store. He doesn't always do this, and that's okay. It makes me know he trusts us to figure it out.)

Although this scripture in Matthew is mainstream in some ways, it's good for me to think on it instead of just dismiss it because I have heard it 16 billion times.
My thoughts on this today were...
It's funny how no matter how many times I hear that I need to "be content in where I'm at," that my wandering mind always looks to the future.
It's also funny how no matter how much I worry about the future, that God already has it planned out in His grand scheme.

Joel and I are currently in a funny place, but I'm learning so much. This reminds me that in the midst of all my concern, how much more does the Lord care?

Hope you all have a wonderful, non-exhausting day.

<3

One thing I've realized... being an adult is super-not-fun sometimes. & being reminded daily by life's annoyances, I've come to see the gigantic importance of small things.

Hashbrown reaches a new level of hatred in my heart daily. Hahaha. Today, he ate our dvd player cord... he chewed off the little red, yellow & white adapters. Please note that we don't have tv, only movies, that we like to play on that DVD player... Thanks 'brown. Also, I noted last night, that I rack up over 100 miles a day on my car going to work and wherever else.... and that's currently in addition to the fact that my power steering motor is struggling & both of my headlights are out. awesome! :( Especially awesome because I've paid $6,000 towards my car, but only $2,000 has went on my principle balance. Thanks 18% interest. My car will fall apart before even a glimmer of hope comes to paying it off. BUT anyway....

This is where the little things come in. The little things I desperately NEED! I've been "on the wagon" for almost 3 weeks now and I'm working towards a 10k in November. I'm only running a small fraction of that now, but it's accomplishment to me. Another thing... my husband is fantastic. I laugh uncontrollably everyday because of him. It's one of the best things in a marriage in my opinion. This morning when I was leaving for work, he was still sleeping, and his brows were very concerned. I don't know why, but it made me laugh at him in his sleep. His face brings me joy. Thursday, I get to hang out with friends & eat cheesy bread. We have a ton of wonderful people in our life down here at the coast, and I thank God for it! And then... Friday. My surprise trip to Texas in honor of my dad's birthday. He has no clue, and I'm just going to show up. I am thrilled!

God is good... he provides perfectly.

Why is that?

My nose is extremely opinionated.
It can be good and bad...
If something smells "odorific" as Joel would say, it just about ruins my day. I'm telling the truth.
BUT... If something smells pleasant, it really moves my soul.

So here's a few things...
I love when older men and women in the eye clinic come in for their appointments, and leave their lingering perfume or cologne scent at the check-in desk. It makes me happy that they made an effort to put it on... they wanted to smell good for someone, and i think that's sweet.

I love when it smells like Christmas. I don't know if it being cold outside produces a familiar scent, or maybe trees. I know something is etched in my memory as a trigger for the season... and i love it. My favorite season is Christmas, not for the presents... but for the joy & the smell.

Today I was filing charts and something smelled like breakfast at my mammaw's house. It made me miss her. Hospice was called into her home about a week ago... I may not ever see her again, alive and well. She's not sick, just very, very old. She was a faithful pastor's wife, the cutest woman on earth, and I am glad to have shared many breakfasts with her.

Anyway... I don't know why smells effect me so much, but they do. Maybe there's a reason, for some of them at least, haha.